Nepal is located in the heart of the Himalayas. It offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers, from remote mountain treks and the thrill of climbing mountains to adventure sports. Hence, it has become a dream destination for many adventurers, travelers, and nature lovers. But not everyone wishes for a thrill. Some like to tour in Nepal and explore the society’s intricacies, history, and culture.
Touring in Nepal is like a never-ending maze. There are many places to explore, cultures to witness, and activities to do. Touring Nepal is undoubtedly out of the question, but selecting a few is always an option. But how do we choose the right destination? Selecting the destination is a hassle. We understand that. Hence, we have chosen the top 5 tours in Nepal based on their popularity, attractions, and activities you can do.
Table of Contents
5 Best Tours in Nepal
Pokhara Tour
Listing the top tours in Nepal without mentioning Pokhara is a crime because it is the tourism capital of Nepal. It attracts thousands of tourists yearly because of its natural beauty, mountain views, and lake. It is also the point where you must arrive to start any Annapurna Region treks. It is also known for adventure sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, and skydiving.
The top attractions of Pokhara are:
- Lakes: There are a total of 9 lake clusters in Pokhara. They are Phewa, Begnas, Rupa, Khaste, Dipang, Maidi, Gunde, Neurani, and Kamalpokhari.
- Caves: Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and the Bat Cave (Chamere Gufa) are the popular caves in Pokhara.
- Sarangkot: It is a popular site in Pokhara that offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. It also acts as the take-off point for paragliding.
Lumbini Tour
Lumbini is situated in the Terai region of Nepal, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. As a result, it serves as a pilgrimage site for many Buddhists and attracts visitors from around the world. It is known for its spirituality. Many tourists also visit Lumbini to try Vipassana meditation, a form of meditation pioneered by Buddha himself. There is a Vipassana meditation center called Dhamma Janani in Lumbini.
The top attractions of the Lumbini Tour are:
- Lumbini Monastic Zone: A collection of Buddhist monasteries from different countries. You can witness a varied range of architecture here.
- Maya Devi Temple: It is said to be the exact birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
- Ashoka Pillar: A pillar made by Emperor Ashoka to mark his visit to the birthplace of Buddha.
Kathmandu Tour
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is known for its long history. Although the dynasty changed, the valley remained the center of attraction for the Kings even then. Hence, it is a city amalgamating culture, spirituality, and history. Kathmandu’s diversity is unmatched. There are bustling streets and serene hills around it, too.
The top attractions of the Kathmandu Tour include:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Changunarayan Temple. These places are famous for their cultural richness.
- Thamel: A tourist hub in the heart of Kathmandu. You can explore the shops, hotels, and pubs in this area.
- Temples: Kathmandu is known as the city of Temples, with more than 3,000 temples. While in Kathmandu, you can explore the temples.
You can also check: Kathmandu Around Sunrise Tour
Nagarkot Tour
Nagarkot is a hill station located 32 km from Kathmandu. It is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. On a clear day, you can witness mountains like Everest, Langtang Reasons, Shisha Pangma, Ganesh Himal, and many more. It is also a holiday destination for many, as they visit there to stay overnight.
The top attractions of the Nagarkot are:
- Resorts: Since it acts as a holiday destination, there are luxurious accommodations for a peaceful stay.
- Nagarkot View Tower: From this tower, you can witness the panoramic views of the Himalayas glistening in the sunlight.
- Hiking Trails: Nagarkot is known for short and easy hikes to nearby villages and viewpoints.
Chitwan Tour
Most of the Chitwan Tour encompasses touring Chitwan National Park while exploring traditional Tharu cultures. This tour is famous for sightseeing animals like one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal Tigers, and Elephants. Below are some of the things you can do on this tour:
- Jungle Safari: To witness the animals, you can roam the jungles in a Jeep or an Elephant.
- Rapti River Canoeing: It offers a ride on the water where you can spot crocodiles and birds.
- Birdwatching: Since Chitwan is home to more than 500 species of birds, you can engage in watching them. It is a favorite place for many bird researchers in Nepal.
- Tharu Village Tour: You can experience the unique culture of the indigenous Tharu people.
Why Should You Choose Nepal for Tours?
Budget-Friendly Destination
Nepal has a lower cost of living than many other travel destinations worldwide. Therefore, you can find budget-friendly food, accommodations, and transportation for tours in Nepal. The hotel price starts at around USD 5 and exceeds USD 200.
Besides, you can also find hostels, which are relatively cheaper than hotels. You can find meals from USD 3 to USD 5 that fill you up. Public transport, like buses and shared taxis, is also affordable.
Diverse Landscape and Natural Beauty
Nepal is home to eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world, all above 8,000 m. Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is located in Nepal. However, Nepal is not just the country of the Himalayas.
In contrast, there are plain lands, lush valleys, dense forests, gorges, and rivers. The topography will be entirely different with each changing destination. From the rugged Himalayas to the arid landscapes, Nepal has it all.
Diverse Culture
Ever since Nepal was opened to foreigners in the 1950s, tourists have visited not just for trekking but also to study the day-to-day life of people in the country. This is because Nepal is also diverse in terms of culture.
As of census 2021, there are 142 ethnic groups in Nepal, each with a unique culture you can witness on the tour in Nepal. Such diversity is a matter of curiosity for both researchers and travelers.
Rich Historical Heritage
Nepal is home to world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Sagarmatha National Park, and many more. Each place tells a primordial tale and is evidence of Nepal’s rich history.
You can visit such historically rich sites to witness centuries-old architecture and art. Medieval squares like Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur have museums, which you can visit to explore Nepal’s history further.
Spiritual and Religious Significance
Nepal is a secular country with many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Jainism. There are pilgrimages like Pashupatinath, which is dear to Hindus. In contrast, Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, which is dear to Buddhists.
Nepal celebrates festivals like Dashain, Christmas, Buddha Jayanti, Losar, and many others with equal vigor. These festivals highlight the country’s rooted religious significance. Moreover, Nepal has been a spiritual center for monks and hermits.
Cost of Tours in Nepal
The cost of the top 5 tours in Nepal ranges from $100 to $700, depending on the destination, duration, and how you tour. Below is the table mentioning the budget price range of the tours mentioned above and the duration.
| Tour | Duration | Cost Range (USD) |
| Nagarkot Tour | 2-3 Days | $100 – $300 |
| Pokhara Tour | 3-5 Days | $250 – $700 |
| Chitwan Jungle Safari | 2-4 Days | $200 – $600 |
| Lumbini Pilgrimage Tour | 3-5 Days | $200 – $600 |
| Kathmandu Valley Tour | 2-4 Days | $150 – $500 |
Expenses While Tour in Nepal
Nepal is a budget-friendly destination; there is no doubt about it. But that doesn’t mean only such options are available. In every form of expense, you can choose a better option. For example, you can hire a private jeep instead of traveling on a local or tourist bus. The amount you spend entirely depends on how you are touring.
The table below compares prices from budget-friendly to luxury options for various types of expenses.
| Expense Type | Budget Range (USD) | Standard Range (USD) | Luxury Range (USD) |
| Accommodation (Per Night) | $5 – $30 | $30 – $150 | $150 – $500 |
| Meals (Per Day) | $5 – $15 | $15 – $50 | $50 – $150 |
| Transportation (Local) | $2 – $10 | $10 – $50 | $50 – $200 |
| Domestic Flights | $100 – $200 | $200 – $400 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Trekking Permits | $30 – $50 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $500 |
| Guide & Porter Fees (Per Day) | $15 – $30 | $30 – $50 | $50 – $100 |
| Entry Fees (Heritage Sites, Parks) | $5 – $20 | $20 – $50 | $50 – $150 |
| Adventure Activities (Bungee, Rafting, Paragliding) | $50 – $100 | $100 – $200 | $200 – $500 |
| Miscellaneous (Souvenirs, Tips, Shopping) | $10 – $50 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $500 |
Conclusion
Nepal perfectly encompasses all the aspects that make travel an enjoyable experience: natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Hence, tours in Nepal are always fulfilling. Nepal has something for every traveler, from the serene retreats to the thrilling sports. Moreover, Nepal provides an option for affordable tours without compromising the fun.
